Jake Odorizzi Named Opening Day Starter

So if I'm interpreting the schedule correctly, Gibby gets the home opener?

This is good if they stick to the mostly four man rotation.

If Hughes ends up starting the fifth game of the season I am going to be upset.

First I was surprised Jose Berrios isn't starting Opening Day. Then I read this lines up Berrios to start in Puerto Rico on April 17th.

That's huge. MLB hasn't played a game in Puerto Rico since 2010. This might be Jose's only chance to play an MLB game in his home territory, and it's awesome the Twins look like they're accommodating that.

First I was surprised Jose Berrios isn't starting Opening Day. Then I read this lines up Berrios to start in Puerto Rico on April 17th.

 

That's huge. MLB hasn't played a game in Puerto Rico since 2010. This might be Jose's only chance to play an MLB game in his home territory, and it's awesome the Twins look like they're accommodating that.

That's how I interpreted this too. Glad they're doing it; it's probably quite a big deal to him.

Vance Worley was the Twins opening day starter in 2013. That decision and being put into a position to make that decision are why the house cleaning was so badly needed and why it was so clearly overdue. The Twins had 10 different guys start at least 8 games. One had an ERA under 4. Only 3 were under 5. It’s a miracle that team didn’t lose 120 games.

I probably would have gone with Berrios and hope he starts a streak. But that’s me. I don’t know if I love the idea of him pitching in Puerto Rico. He’s still young and emotional. I can see the situation getting the best of him.

What is the reasoning for off days in the middle of series?

I understand the first one since they do this all of the time on opening day but the others seem ridiculous.

This is perfect.  Berrios gets the honor of being considered for the opening day nod, without the pressure and potential soul-crushing responsibility that goes with it.  A (hopefully) steady vet gets the nod instead.  Lynn opens the next road series.  Seems like a good way to prevent any major long losing streaks to start things off.

Really, the early schedule looks fairly winnable.  They could be like 11-3 when they get to Puerto Rico and Cleveland.  

Since 2010, that is a pretty lame list of opening day starters. Hopefully, Berrios will settle in after the novelty Puerto Rico thing. With nerves in the homeland, I think it is the wrong decision, and would rather he had started the opener this year. Odorizzi... not too excited about. Personally, I hate having games at neutral stadiums, no matter where they are.

 

Do these two games count as one missed home game apiece? If so, which one is the home game for the Twins? Or is one team sacrificing 2 home games?

Both are Twins’ home games.

What is the reasoning for off days in the middle of series?

 

I understand the first one since they do this all of the time on opening day but the others seem ridiculous.

Gibson as #2 starter ? That surprised me the most.  

This will be the last time for about ten years that Berrios doesn't open the season.

Gibson as #2 starter ? That surprised me the most.  

There is almost always a scheduled day off on the day following a home opener so the game can be rescheduled if necessary with no loss of ticket revenue.

I forgot about the home opener angle of that since it isn't the season opener. Thanks

If it's Evil, Wicked Witch of the West, 1st half Gibson for the home opener, then yes...

If it's Good Witch Glenda of the 2nd half Gibson, they should be fine

Nice. RZA at the top of the rotation and an old dirty bastard in the fifth spot!

Gibson as #2 starter ? That surprised me the most.  

Ditto.  I didn't see that either.  Perhaps it was done so Berrios can start game 1 in Puerto Rico?

Congratulations to Odoreater, may he never stink. Not that I'm bitter about being wrong that Berrios would be the first starter... 

Kidding. He may well be the best arm on the staff. Let the contest for that honor require winning 20 games. 

Skol Twins!

Congratulations to Odoreater, may he never stink. Not that I'm bitter about being wrong that Berrios would be the first starter... 

 

Kidding. He may well be the best arm on the staff. Let the contest for that honor require winning 20 games. 

 

Skol Twins!

I was pulling for Berrios for opening starter too, but I had forgotten about Puerto Rico. I'd imagine that's more important to him this year, and Berrios can have opening day next year once he has an awesome 2018.

Kershaw will get a few starting next year.

Why?! Now you've planted a seed of hope in my soul that I guarantee won't go away.